Watch this video as we review hand file basics, and walk you through how to determine the right file shape, file length, file pattern and cut that are the best choice for your roughing or finishing application. Utilize tips from tech team expert Kurt Repsher to ensure you select and order the right type of metal file, every time. Pair this video with our latest Hand File Downloadable Guide, complete with profile selector and material/application hand file selection charts. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to see more invaluable videos like this one!
To achieve the desired results, it is essential to select the right file for the job. The user should consider the file shape, file size and coarseness of the file. The size and the coarseness of the file are directly related, so the larger the file, the more stock it will remove. The smaller the file, the finer the finish it will achieve. The material, size of the work, and the kind of finish required, should be considered as you select the right hand file for your application. Generally speaking bastard cut and second-cut grades of double-cut files are a good choice for the fast removal of stock, while single-cut files and smooth double-cut files would be chosen for finishing. Most files also have three grades of cut: bastard-cut, second-cut and smooth-cut. The coarser the cut of the file, the rougher the finish of the work. Therefore, the size of the file and the grade of its cut must be taken into account against the amount of stock to be removed and the fineness of finish that is desired.
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